Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges: Traditional Structures Growing Stronger Over Decades
The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya have developed living root bridges by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across rivers and ravines. These natural bridges take 15 to 30 years to become usable and strengthen over time as roots thicken and intertwine. With around 100 known bridges, this indigenous practice combines sustainability and traditional engineering, attracting global recognition including provisional UNESCO status. These bridges serve as vital pathways connecting villages and plantations in Meghalaya's hilly terrain.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is positive (75/100). Lens Score 31/100.
Outlets measured: economictimes, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (75–75/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 21 Aug, 07:53 am. Other outlets followed.